E-auction dropped for political parties to buy plots in Haryana

To ensure that smaller political parties in Haryana can also buy plots from the government for setting up party offices in different districts, the Haryana government has done away with e-auction system .

The allotment of plots to political parties has assumed significance as the ruling BJP is in the process of constructing a party office in every district of the state including Gurgaon. (HT File Photo )

To ensure that smaller political parties in Haryana can also buy plots from the government for setting up party offices in different districts, the Haryana government has done away with e-auction system. The applicants can simply submit an application to become eligible for land allotment.

As per a recent review in the policy of allotment of plots to political parties, the decision was taken apart from increasing the plot size that can be allotted from 1,000 sq metres to 4,000 sq metres at the district headquarter.

The allotment of plots to political parties has assumed significance as the ruling BJP is in the process of constructing a party office in every district of the state. The amendment was approved in a meeting of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) held under the chairmanship of chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh. The notification was issued in the middle of July, thus, opening the doors to all the parties wanting to set up offices across the state.

Official sources, meanwhile, said the ruling BJP could be the front-runner in applying for the plots as the party plans to set up permanent offices across Haryana to strengthen its presence. In Gurgaon, the Huda in fact has earmarked plots both in new and old Gurgaon that could be bought to set up an office. What, however, has rankled the party officials is that Khattar has insisted on keeping competitive prices for this allotment. As a result, acquisition cost could run into crores.

Although the amendment in policy has done away with e-auction but it stipulates that if a plot/ site is in exclusive institutional sectors or pockets, the rate applicable to private organisations would be applicable on the sites earmarked for political parties.

Ashok Bhardwaj, president, National Janhit Congress, a newly formed state level political party says that allotment of plots to the parties should be done fairly. “We will apply for the plot and hopefully government will act in a balanced way,” he said.

AAP spokesperson in Gurgaon, RS Rathee said that they will keep a close watch on the allotment process. “If this helps all parties then it is good else we will protest,” he said.